Researchers at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center have made significant advancements in cancer care, including the development of a targeted RAS inhibitor therapy for pancreatic cancer and a biomarker of chemotherapy resistance in relapsed lung cancer. The studies also explore the tumor microenvironment of triple-negative breast cancer and i...
Researchers developed a 13-gene panel and machine learning model to predict TNBC patient responses to chemotherapy, identifying macrophage subtypes associated with treatment outcomes. The study provides novel insights into the gene-expression programs and tumor microenvironment of early-stage triple-negative breast cancer.
The Phase 1/2 trial demonstrated a 29% response rate and median overall survival of 15.6 months, outperforming historical chemotherapy response rates. Daraxonrasib targets RAS in its 'on' state and has shown durable responses with a manageable safety profile.
Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified specific blood-based genomic biomarkers that distinguish inflammatory breast cancer from other subtypes. The study used an improved method of RNA sequencing, called TGIRT sequencing, which allowed for a more comprehensive overview of all RNA types and amou...
Researchers at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center have made significant advancements in targeted therapy treatments for advanced lung cancer and early-stage classical Hodgkin lymphoma. The studies showcase high response rates with novel combination therapies and a new understanding of how an enzyme affects infertility and cancer progression.
Researchers have discovered a biomarker for chemotherapy resistance in small cell lung cancer, which can help identify cells that become more invasive and lead to treatment resistance. Targeting these cells with YAP1 may be a possible strategy to improve patient outcomes.
A study published in Cell Reports Medicine found that inhibiting RNase H2 can cause significant damage to DNA and activate the innate immune system to produce signals that attract T cells to attack the tumor. This approach could lead to improved patient outcomes for patients with triple-negative breast cancer.
Kim Slusser, Ph.D., R.N., is appointed as the institution’s inaugural chief nurse executive, overseeing over 5,400 nurses. She will champion innovation and compassion to deliver patient-centered care and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
The Center for Cellular Language Intelligence will decipher the complex communications that govern tumor ecosystems, revealing principles of cellular organization and biological programs influencing cancer initiation and response. Led by Linghua Wang, the center aims to accelerate discovery and deliver new therapeutic targets, predicti...
A specific region of Dicer must be activated to achieve proper cell division and reproduction, a discovery that sheds light on the regulation of this enzyme's critical role in both cancer biology and fertility. This finding opens new avenues for studying how small epigenetic changes contribute to disease.
Researchers developed RF-SIRF, a quantitative method to detect and map reversed DNA replication forks with single-cell resolution. The study identified unique epigenetic codes for DNA replication stress that can be further examined to understand genomic stability, aging, and treatment response.
A new mathematical model called LFSPRO was developed to predict the risk of Li-Fraumeni Syndrome. The model provides a more quantitative risk estimate for individuals who would benefit from testing but do not meet established criteria.
A new analysis by researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center demonstrates that combination therapy consisting of fludarabine, cytarabine and G-CSF (FLAG) plus gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) or idarubicin (IDA) delivers strong long-term outcomes for patients with CBF-AML. The five-year overall survival rate reached 74%...
A new treatment using low-dose nivolumab injections into precancerous oral lesions significantly reduced lesion size and risk of cancer progression. The study showed a 60% average reduction in lesion size and complete pathologic response in six patients, with no dose-limiting side effects.
Researchers developed an AI model called Path-IO that uses machine learning to predict responses to immunotherapy for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. The model accurately stratified patients into high-risk and low-risk groups, with patients in the high-risk group having double the risk of death or disease progression.
The Phase I MYTHIC trial demonstrated a strong synergy between zedoresertib and lunresertib, showing durable regressions and consistent tumor shrinkage in patients with ovarian cancer. The combination achieved an overall disease control rate of 68.5% and a molecular response rate of 47%.
Researchers from UT MD Anderson Cancer Center present studies on single-cell technologies, integrative computational approaches, and experimental therapeutics, highlighting innovations in mRNA vaccines and spatial multi-omics techniques. The studies aim to improve immunotherapy responses and detect treatment-resistant glioma cells.
James P. Allison, Ph.D., is recognized for his lifelong commitment to scientific discovery and seminal findings that launched the field of cancer immunotherapy. His work led to the development of ipilimumab, an antibody to human CTLA-4, approved as part of therapeutic regimens for multiple cancer types.
Dr. Jennifer Wargo has made groundbreaking contributions to defining the interplay between the microbiome, oncogenic signaling and tumor immunity, with a focus on immunotherapy responses and mechanisms of targeted therapy resistance in melanoma.
Researchers at UT MD Anderson have made significant advancements in cancer care, including a blood-based biomarker for cancer risk in people with Lynch Syndrome and a new target to sensitize pancreatic tumors to immunotherapy. The studies also identified a strategy to overcome radiation therapy resistance in lung cancer.
Researchers at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have identified a way lung cancer cells evade radiation therapy and developed a strategy to overcome this challenge using a DHODH inhibitor. The study found that inhibiting DHODH with leflunomide can help overcome radiation resistance by promoting ferroptosis, allowing ...
A study published in Cancer Research has identified DPY30 as an epigenetic target that can sensitize pancreatic tumors to immunotherapy. By modulating DNA replication stress, DPY30 promotes the addition of activation signals at stressed replication forks, supporting cancer cell survival and proliferation.
A new blood-based biomarker has been discovered to help identify individuals at higher risk of developing cancer in people with Lynch Syndrome. The biomarker uses immune signatures detected in blood samples to provide unique characteristics that can detect cancer risk, allowing for early detection and personalized surveillance.
Researchers at UT MD Anderson found that high-dose radiation delivery significantly improves patient outcomes, with a median survival of 28.7 months compared to 11.9 months for chemotherapy alone.
Researchers developed a novel antibody that targets the 4lg isoform of B7-H3, overexpressed in many cancer types. The antibody, BetaBart, has potential use as a radio-theranostic treatment that brings targeted radiation to tumor cells.
UT MD Anderson faculty members Theresa Guise and Stephanie Watowich have been elected as AAAS Fellows, honored for their outstanding contributions to science and society. Their research focuses on endocrinology and immunology, with breakthroughs in cancer treatment and patient care.
Blocking two key 'don't eat me signals' in cancer cells heightens the immune response and sensitizes tumors to immunotherapy in glioblastoma models. Researchers found that simultaneously blocking CD47 and CD24 improved immunotherapy response, allowing macrophages to better recognize and attack cancer cells.
A study by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that men with low testosterone levels are 60% more likely to have their prostate cancer progress to a more aggressive state during surveillance. Low testosterone may serve as a useful clinical marker to guide treatment and surveillance strategies.
Peter WT Pisters, MD, receives the prestigious Charles M. Balch, MD, Distinguished Service Award for his substantial contributions to surgical oncology through service, research, and leadership. He is recognized as a renowned cancer surgeon, researcher, and hospital administrator.
The James P. Allison Institute at UT MD Anderson Cancer Center appoints Eric Gardner, Betty Kim, Rodrigo Romero, and Hojong Yoon to advance immunotherapy research. These experts bring expertise in immune therapy resistance, cancer vaccines, bioengineering, tumor evolution, and drug development.
Researchers developed a new computational approach to predict chemotherapy response in triple-negative breast cancer, outperforming current methods. The TmS biomarker accurately sorts patients into those with favorable or poor prognosis, highlighting its potential as an effective starting point for patient stratification.
The Phase I/II multicenter international CADENZA trial found that 75% of patients with BPDCN treated with pivekimab sunirine achieved a complete response. The treatment delivered the therapeutic drug directly to cancer cells, resulting in rapid cancer cell death with limited targeting of healthy tissue.
Researchers identified blood-based biomarkers that can help distinguish patients with glioblastoma who are most likely to live longer from novel treatment with an engineered oncolytic virus. The study found that adding an immune booster increased survival times and improved immunological fitness.
A study found that 60.8% of American women prefer in-clinic cervical cancer screening, while 20.4% opt for at-home self-sampling. Marginalized groups, including those with low income and distrust of healthcare systems, are more likely to choose at-home options.
The Journey to End Cancer exhibition guides visitors through the full spectrum of cancer science from cause to cure. Featuring interactive experiences, immersive media environments, and inspiring first-person videos, the exhibit aims to educate and empower visitors about cancer prevention and treatment.
A meta-analysis of individual patients with oligometastatic prostate cancer shows that metastasis-directed radiation therapy (MDT) significantly improves patient outcomes, including delayed disease progression and better quality of life. The study included 574 men and found a median of 7.6 months before disease progression in the MDT a...
Iakovos Toumazis leads IDSO's focus area on decision analytics for health to optimize patient outcomes and resource allocation. His research informs data-driven approaches to cancer prevention and policy decisions.
Researchers identified a targetable driver of brain metastases in inflammatory breast cancer, promoting tumor invasion and triggering brain inflammation via the CXCR2 signaling pathway. Targeting sEcad or the CXCR2 pathway may treat or prevent brain metastasis.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has made significant advancements in cancer care through its collaborative efforts between clinicians and scientists. These breakthroughs include an immune-targeting vaccine that shows promise in intercepting cancer in patients with Lynch Syndrome, a novel immunotherapy that demonstrate...
Researchers found that combining selective CDK2 inhibitor BLU-222 with CDK4/6 inhibitors produces strong, durable anti-tumor effects across preclinical models of breast cancer. This approach targets cancer cells' reliance on CDK proteins and restores control over the cell cycle in resistant tumors.
Researchers developed engineered bispecific nanobodies that bind viruses to mucus, preventing infection. The approach was effective in preclinical models of multiple respiratory viruses, offering immediate, localized protection.
Researchers found that NOUS-209 safely stimulated the immune system to target precancerous and cancerous cells in individuals with Lynch Syndrome, providing early evidence of its potential to intercept cancer before it develops. The vaccine-induced T cells were able to kill tumor cells and showed signs of long-lasting immune memory.
A Phase I study led by Timothy Yap demonstrates the potential of linavonkibart to target and prevent activation of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGFβ1), overcoming treatment resistance in multiple cancers. The trial showed manageable safety profiles and objective responses in heavily pre-treated patients, suggesting a promising ne...
Researchers at MD Anderson have made significant advancements in cancer treatment, demonstrating the effectiveness of immunotherapy before and after surgery in improving lung cancer patient outcomes. Additionally, a new study shows promise in using CAR T cell therapy to treat large B-cell lymphoma, reducing relapse rates.
Researchers discovered that high levels of protein BATF2 drive tumor immune suppression in head and neck cancer. Glutamine in the tumor microenvironment silences BATF2, affecting the STING signaling pathway and overall immune response.
A study published in PNAS reveals that peripheral neuropathy can reduce macrophage immune cells' ability to clear dead cells through efferocytosis, leading to chronic pain. Restoring this process may offer a new therapeutic strategy to prevent inflammatory signaling and improve nerve repair.
The collaboration aims to integrate AI-powered analytics with clinical expertise to accelerate data-driven cancer care. MD Anderson researchers will leverage SOPHIAs AI technologies to develop bioinformatics pipelines for rapid RNA-sequencing data interpretation.
Researchers have identified Rb1 as a predictive biomarker for a new therapeutic strategy in some breast cancers. The study found that simultaneous inhibition of ATR and PKMYT1 triggers cell death in Rb1-deficient breast cancer models, leading to tumor shrinkage and improved survival.
Proton therapy has been shown to provide a significant survival benefit for patients with head and neck cancers. In another study, researchers have identified a promising target for treating pancreatic cancer by inhibiting the mitochondrial enzyme GFER. Additionally, diagnostic breast MRI may be unnecessary for some patients with early...
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have found that inhibiting GFER, a mitochondrial enzyme, in combination with immune checkpoint blockade improves antitumor response in preclinical models. This two-pronged approach holds promise for patients with pancreatic cancer.